Our Impact
We are delighted to launch our first ever Impact Report which celebrates the success of our work through the voice of the women and birthing people who volunteer and use our services.
The Impact Report can be found here*
Women seeking sanctuary face significant barriers to accessing the support they need during pregnancy, labour and new parenthood.
Language barriers, isolation, mental health issues, inadequate housing and lack of social support are just a few of the challenges that can make this time extremely difficult. Research has shown that having consistent companionship during this period significantly improves outcomes for both mother and baby.
Since the start of the project, we’ve trained 25 volunteer birth partners who have supported over 90 women seeking sanctuary from 22 different nations. Volunteers work in small teams to support one woman, meeting with her in the weeks leading up to the expected due date and providing 24-hour support during labour. After birth, volunteers meet up with the new mum for a further 8 weeks to make sure she has everything she needs. We provide companionship and practical information to ensure each woman feels valued, empowered and supported in the time leading up to the birth and the first few weeks of motherhood.
“I was worried about the time commitment, but the way it’s set up is really good; you’re not on your own, you’re part of a team. I also thought “I don’t have medical experience,” but that’s not what we’re there for. We’re there as a sister, an auntie, a friend. All you have to ask yourself is “What would I do if it were my friend in this situation?” I’d be there for her, I’d support her, I’d encourage her. That’s what you’re there for. ”
The majority of women who use our services are from the asylum-seeking community. Over 30% of the women we’ve supported have limited or no English language speaking ability, which makes understanding the healthcare system and communicating needs incredibly difficult. Volunteers are there to provide reassurance and guidance, enabling the women we support to understand how the system works and helping them to make informed decisions about labour and birth. When necessary, our volunteers advocate on behalf of the woman they’re supporting to ensure her needs are understood by healthcare staff. Every birth is different, and sometimes unexpected circumstances arise. Our volunteers are there to provide compassionate emotional support every step of the way.
“It’s been a wonderful experience in sharing such a significant, important process in a woman’s life. I know how important it is to have some really intimate, secure support at a time like that, and what a difference it makes to mother and baby. To be part of this project, knowing that, is a wonderful thing. It has enriched my life a lot. ”
“The Birth Partner Project volunteers were like having family with me.”
— New Mum
Interested in joining our team? We run regular volunteer recruitment and training sessions throughout the year. Find out more about how the project works or contact us to find out when the next round of recruitment is taking place.
The Birth Partner Project is a small charity that relies on support from individuals and organisations. Your donation can help us increase our impact even further by providing vital support to more women seeking sanctuary.
“The support I received before, during and after my birth was amazing.”
— New Mum
*With thanks to Practice Solutions for funding and designing our 2023 Impact Report